12 Real Animal Ghost Stories

This is the 21st century -- ghost aren't walking around in cut-up sheets anymore. Ghoulies come in all shapes and sizes, as well as furry styles. So to celebrate our spookiest holiday, here are 12 animal ghosts ready to haunt your dreams. Spoiler alert: Most of these spirits are of the friendly variety.

The Black Dog Ghost is the Boogeyman of Britain. Almost every county has their own tale of a dark canine specter that roams at night. The beasts of legend vary in shape, size and meaning. Some villages believe the ghost dog prophesizes death, while other towns believe the ghost animal is a guardian. (Mysterious Britain)

Here's one black cat you don't want crossing your path. Washington, D.C., is said to be haunted by a demon cat that appears as a black feline and grows to the size of a tiger as it approaches you. The spirit is said to be leftover from the kitties brought in to solve the capital's rat problem and is also a predictor of national tragedy. Rumors say the demon cat was spotted shortly before the stock market crash and JFK's assassination. (The Hill)

In 1816, a guard at Tower Bridge in London encountered a very unexpected guest -- a bear crossing the bridge. Figuring the bear was part of the menagerie of critters kept by royalty, the guard tried to apprehend the animal. As he went to touch the bear, his hand passed through the creature. The spooky meeting had such an effect on the guard that he died of fright shortly after. (Animal Planet)

The friendly cat of the Crescent Hotel in Arkansas may have used up his nine lives, but that didn't stop him from sticking around. Morris, an orange tabby who often sat in a lobby chair, passed away in the '80s, but guests of the hotel continue to spot him pussyfooting around. Those who have spotted Morris in his ghostly form say the congenial cat is just as welcoming in death. (NBC News)

There are plenty of posh paws buried in the Los Angeles Pet Cemetery, but only one set refuses to stay in the grave. Kabar, the Great Dane who belonged to silent film star Rudolph Valentino, is often seen and heard by visitors. The attention-loving pooch adores doling out afterlife licks to unsuspecting guests. The ghost of Kabar has also been spotted at Valentino's old home. (Weird CA)

Men were not the only ones risking their lives during the Civil War. Hundreds of animals perished during the battles, as well. Many of these furry spirits have refused to cross over, deciding to stay behind and haunt the famous grounds. War buffs have reported seeing and hearing horses and dogs that had stayed behind to keep their fallen masters company. (For The Love Of Dog)

If you are visiting Rose Hill Manor in Virginia, keep your eyes open. The historic home is said to be haunted by the dog of a cruel slave driver. The owner was so mistrusting of others that he buried all his money on the property. Today, the dog appears as a blue specter, leading a few lucky guests to where the treasure is buried. Sadly, the animal always disappears before he reaches the booty. (Hagerstown Magazine)

Ancient Roman spectators visiting the Colosseum may have enjoyed watching gladiators destroy animals, but the creatures weren't pleased. Many of the animals killed for sport still linger in the ruins of their death place. Tourists and locals alike have reported hearing the cries of exotic animals while visiting the historic structure. (Life In Italy)

When cats gets comfortable, it can be hard to get them to move on. The mysterious gray cat of the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse is more stubborn than most felines. Originally belonging to the lighthouse keeper's wife in 1871, this feline homebody continues to be spotted playfully scampering around the building. These ghost sightings gained some credibility when the body of a gray cat was found in the lighthouse during renovations. The mummified cat is now on display at the lighthouse's museum. (NC Web)

The Carew Castle of Wales has seen plenty of unusual human inhabitants, but only one monkey. As the legend goes, Sir Roland Rhys lived in the castle with his pet monkey in the 17th century and taught the animal to mimic his laugh. One day, a salesman went to the castle to find both the man and the animal murdered without explanation. Crazed over the wrongful death, the deceased monkey still occupies the castle and fills it with haunting laughter. (Haunted Castles Of Britain and Ireland)

Tom Cat never lost his fighting spirit. This feline continues to be a mascot for Confederate Fort McAllister. The loyal pet belonged to one of the soilders of the Civil War and was a favorite buddy among troops. Tom Cat was eventually killed in battle, but still remains at Fort McAllister as a ghost kitty. The veteran is often spotted patrolling the area around the fort. (MSNBC)

Don't believe in ghosts? Go to the Whaley House in San Diego and then get back to us. This infamous residence is listed as an authentic haunted house. Among those certified spirits is a Fox Terrier dog that once belonged to one of the owners. Even after death, the pooch still has a playful demeanor, gleefully running up and down the halls of the old home. (Whaley House)